I have an extensive collection of Vietnam war books in my library but have not read any for a while now. As often happens I needed a change of subject so choose this book, published in 1984, one of my favorites.
The author was an 18 year old machine gunner with the USMC in Vietnam. Like all Marines throughout the Vietnam era, he was a volunteer. The average life expectancy of Marine Corps machine gunners was about 7 to 10 seconds once a fire fight started and very few actually completed their tour of duty without being killed or injured. The author was no exception and after being twice lightly wounded, was then seriously wounded and evacuated to Japan and then home after only ten months service.
The book offers possibly the most realistic descriptions of life as a combat Marine in Vietnam. As such it is required reading at the Basic School for officers and was widely circulated among Marines during the first Gulf War.
The Marines did not spare their men any hardship with the result that combat infantry Marines often spent their full tour in the jungle with literally only 24 hour rests at base camps between patrols. Those stops were also more for ammunition resupply and changes of uniforms than actual rest. Added to that was a serious lack of promotion opportunities and a 13 month tour of duty rather than the army's 12 month tour. This has led many to believe the USMC almost abused their men during the war. Despite such treatment however, survivors remain dedicated to the Corps.
Overall an excellent book and well worth reading.
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